FAQ

Why does my floor creak and what should I do?

 

Creaking is caused by contact between floorboards and nails (or staples), or by friction between structural elements. This phenomenon can also occur when the boards are poorly fitted or nailed. You can prevent creaking by replacing the faulty nail or staple and fixing another solidly in place.

In our experience, it is important to eliminate the three following causes of creaking at the source:

  1. Make sure the plywood (subfloor) is securely screwed in and doesn’t creak. If creaking occurs before installation, it will also occur after.
  2. Install a vapor barrier to prevent excessive humidity in the plywood from interacting with the hardwood boards and decrease friction that can cause creaking.
  3. During installation, fix the nails close together. The closer they are, the lesser the likelihood of air bubbles forming between the plywood and hardwood boards, thereby reducing the risk of creaking.
Low humidity levels can also cause creaking. Maintain relative humidity between 45% and 50%. It’s good for your floor—and good for your health.